Hell Drivers

Hey!

-Yes?

-I'm looking for a job.

-Who do I see?

-You're out of luck, chum.

RACING COMMENTARY ON RADIO

Who's won, mate? It's on now!

I heard you needed drivers. For ballast.

-Are you a ballast driver?

-I'm any kind of a driver. What difference does it make?

-Front block, first door, ask for Cartley.

-Thanks a lot.

-He must be hungry.

Thanks, Terry. Bung it down anywhere.

Lovely work, Jackie boy. Lucy loves you.

You're not Terry. Sorry. See you later, Jackie.

-I thought you were the boy mending my typewriter.

-Where's Mr Cartley?

-Is he expecting you?

-I'm looking for a job.

You'll be lucky!

My name's Yateley. Joe Yateley. I met a character called Legubin.

-You know Leggy. How is he?

-They put a silver plate in his skull.

I thought there might be a job here.

To get a silver plate in YOUR skull?

Leggy said there was good money.

Well...

I'll see what I can do for you.

-Yes?

-I heard you needed ballast drivers.

-You met Legubin. Is that right?

-Yeah.

Did he tell you how much he cost us in compensation?

He couldn't handle the loads at the speeds we wanted.

-How long have you been driving?

-12 years.

-Accidents?

-No.

-Are you sure?

-I told you.

Licence.

No endorsements, no convictions for speeding. Why not?

I guess I was never caught.

-Name and address of your last employer.

-I've been out of the country.

-Where?

Around.

-I want fast drivers, right round the clock.

-What kind of roads?

-Bad roads, wet or fine.

-What about the speed limit?

-If you're caught, you pay your own fine.

-If you can't handle ten tons at that speed, say so.

-What's the money?

We work a bonus system here. You get seven shillings a load plus four shillings an hour.

-Over what distances?

-10 miles each way. 12 loads a day or you're fired.

-Pretty rough pace.

-We've got one man that does 18 runs a day.

What about breakdowns?

You maintain your own lorry. If you have a breakdown, it's your fault.

There's a bonus each week for the best-looking truck.

-If you've got one left.

-You don't like the idea?

-I like the money.

-An itchy palm doesn't make a good driver. It needs guts. You don't inspire me.

You're looking for a sucker.

Lucy, phone the shop. Tell Ed to bring round a spare truck. Usual test run.

'Yes, Mr Cartley.'

You'd better not be wasting my time.

Ed, the usual! Once over the run!

Roger.

Here, you'll want these.

Have you driven one of this kind before?

Have you ever driven one of these before?

Yeah. I've been out of circulation for a while.

Hop in, then.

What have you been driving?

This and that.

The trucks are light on the trigger. You don't have to fight 'em the way you're doing.

Loosen up a bit.

Now, here's a corner.

Now, don't check. Let her run into it.

-We're going too fast.

-No, we're not. We're going dandy. Step on it.

Let her swing, let her go. You see?

HORNS BLARE

-The brakes don't work. Didn't you see?

-Well, we stopped, didn't we?

It'll need pulling up a bit. Back up. I'll guide you.

Back, straight up.

Left a bit.

Pull left.

Your face when you saw them cows!

I forgot about the brakes.

Whoa!

Now, you see, we get the stuff from that pit there.

They bring it round on this belt up to the ballast.

This is the three-eighths, half-inch gravel.

This is the quarter-inch gravel - the gravel we use.

-Do you know how to work it?

-No.

Now get up there and level it off.

The cops like it that way.

They've let you out today, Ed? Aye, doctor's orders.

That'll keep your tail down. Come on.

OK.

From now on, it's the run.

I'm timing you. Give it the gun.

Doesn't come round so friendly, now she's loaded, does she?

You've got to keep that needle above 30. Every mile you get above that,

you can reckon on another sixpence an hour.

-Drop below it and you're out of a job. Do you understand me?

-Yeah.

-Don't ease up.

-Supposing we meet something?

Supposing we don't? Look on the bright side.

Keep straight on. Let the road look after itself.

Good for you.

HORNS BLARE

Red chasing Johnny.

But you didn't have to stop.

Come on, get moving.

We're losing time.

We've got a long way to go yet.

What's the matter?

Who says anything's the matter?

TOOTS HORN

You're improving.

Here we are.

You've made it. Wasn't bad, was it?

OK, tip it.

Nudge her forward a bit.

How did I do?

So-so.

-Didn't get it, eh?

-Come on, come on.

Whoa!

What happens now?

Home.

-You drive.

-Me? I can't.

The police took away my licence.

Hey, come here!

Lucy, come here.

Let's have another look at that licence.

Yes, Mr Cartley? Truck 13. Make out a logbook.

Yes, Mr Cartley.

-When do I start?

-Lucy!

Start him tomorrow. Cards, particulars, next of kin. Look after him.

-Yes, Mr Cartley.

-Thanks.

Aren't you the lucky one?

The fitter had me worried.

-Ed? You needn't have. I put in a good word for you.

-Yeah?

-What did you say?

-I said you were a friend of mine.

Why should you do that?

Do you always know why YOU do things?

-"Yateley...Joseph." Same address?

-No.

I'm in between addresses now.

That's yours.

You've got Leggy's old truck. Number 13. For luck. Got your cards?

No, I...I've been away.

I lost them.

Does Cartley know that?

No.

Well, we won't tell him.

He's got a suspicious mind. I'll get you some new ones.

-Thanks.

-Got anywhere to sleep?

-No.

-Ask at the gate for Mile West. All the boys stay there.

-I will.

-Oh, by the way, there's a Pull Inn across the street where they eat.

-Yeah?

-You might get to know a nice local girl and get invited for supper. You like home cooking?

-If it's good.

If I cook it, it's good. Bye, Joe.

Uh...

I know this might sound funny, but everybody calls me Tom.

Bye, Lucy.

So long, Tom.

< WOMAN CHATS

No, no!

RATTLES LETTER BOX

Who's that fiddling with the letter box? Come in or stay out. I don't care which!

I'm in the kitchen!

You couldn't pull your own shoelaces together! Hello.

Who are you? Never mind. Come in and make yourself useful.

Go away. You're not strong enough. This needs a man's hands.

Come on, young fella. Let's see how strong you are.

-They told me I could get a room here.

-First things first. Get hold of this and pull!

-OK.

Tighter.

Come on, you won't hurt me!

That's it.

Steel these are, young fella!

Supports my spine.

I had an accident.

How long do you want the room for?

-Quite a while. I've got a job over the road.

-Good enough.

Thank your mother for the groceries. > OK, Ma.

Come on. I'll show you upstairs.

That's the kitchen. When I'm out, the door's locked.

The front door's locked at midnight.

If you're out after that, you stay out.

That's my husband. Died in a fire 20 years ago.

There's the bath.

That's the other place.

No scribbling.

Meals you eat out. The Pull Inn over the way, most of the men go there.

You can have this one.

-Good enough for you?

-Yeah. How much?

Three shillings a night, sixpence a bath.

Money in advance.

-OK?

-Good.

-Any clothes need boiling, there's a basket in the bathroom. Threepence an article.

-Thank you, Mrs West.

Call me Ma.

-OK, Ma.

-What do I call YOU?

-Tom.

-All right, then, Tom.

See that you wash the bath out when you finish.

OK.

SHOUTING AND ARGUING

-Don't let Ma catch you!

-Knock it off, will you?

Ma's gonna hit the roof when she sees this.

What have you got? I've been after this for a month!

I'm first! No, you were first last time!

Where are you going? I put your names to the bottom of the list!

You fixed it, didn't you? Me? Come on, get out of there!

What's going on? Stop that! Do you hear me?

Take a flying jump... What did you say?

Not you, Ma. I was talking to these tearaways. Disturbing a gentleman in his bath!

Come on, get upstairs to your rooms. Kick my door and I'll kick YOU!

-What are those?

-I got beautiful flowers for a beautiful lady.

-Thank you, Gino.

Got 'em cheap, too!

He's the only gentleman among you lot. I'll put them in some water.

Do that. Quick!

SINGING AND SHOUTING Stop that noise up there!

This place is a loony bin.

Sure. Where else do you put crazy people?

-Who is it?

-It's OK.

-What are you doing here?

-This is my room.

Mamma mia! You gave me a fright.

-You just arrived, huh?

-Yeah.

I come in, you lie there. You say nothing.

-You have a good laugh, huh?

-No.

You know, there is so much noise.

You hear the noise. This room is empty.

I use her for... like a church, you know? I should move these things.

That's OK. Come in when you like.

-Are you sure?

-Yeah, I'm sure.

Thank you.

It's better in here for me.

Some people do not understand. They make a joke. I don't mind, but...

Thank you.

-You drive with us?

-Yes, starting tomorrow.

-What truck?

Number 13. Legubin's.

13... Not so good.

You also have Legubin's room.

Yeah?

Oh, no. The shell, she never fall in the same place twice. You've got a very good situation here.

-What are you called?

-Tom.

To all the boys, I am Gino, because I'm Italian. My real name is Emmanuel.

Leggy... Legubin, he was my special friend.

You have friends here?

No.

-No, thanks.

-You have met Red?

No, I haven't met anyone.

He's the boss. The Pacesetter. He drives like the devil. He's got truck number one.

-When you see him coming, keep to the side.

-I passed him on the trial run. He was going like a rocket!

That is the one. I'm glad that you have seen him - our Red.

-He's a special friend of yours, too?

-I hate the sight of him. Come over to eat.

-At the Pull Inn over the road?

-That's right.

-The girl in the office told me.

-That is Lucy.

Funny girl. The boys like to make out she's... What do you call it? A hot number.

You mean she's not?

Lucy's like plenty people. Got to make a big impression

because inside they are, um... they're lonely.

That is the trouble with girls today. All the time they must fight for something.

You don't like her, huh?

I love her. She is my girl.

Come over.

OK, come on.

Lucy, she don't know yet, but when I go back to Italy, she's going to come with me.

We're going to have our own bambini.

During the war I am prisoner. I like England. I think I stay for ever, but now I think different.

Bella Italia is all I want. That and Lucy.

A small place of my own, the sunlight, the blue sky.

The blue sky, huh!

-Do you think she'll go with you?

-I pray she will.

Come on. Get in there!

Come on!

Wait for it!

Another game! I'll pay you, all right?

That's one and six... one and nine you owe me.

-Grab a chair. I'll get some matches.

-Hello.

-Come to join us?

-Yeah.

-Name?

-Tom.

-Dusty. There's Tinker.

Stinker! Barber Joe. Beautiful bonce!

Pop, meet Tom. Scotty. Tom, there's a seat over here.

You can't do that to the guest of honour. He'll sit right next to me.

You sit here, Tom.

New one gets the head of the table.

You blab and I'll break your neck. He's got to learn sometime.

This is Jill. She gives you double portions. >

Big enough to look after himself.

Maybe you're right.

My name's Tub.

Where are you from, mate?

-Around.

-That's up north somewhere, eh?

Can't you tell a Welshman when you hear one? Cardiff, ain't it, mate?

-Blaenllechau.

-Horrible disease!

He's got hiccups. Give him some water!

So you're gonna join the Hell Drivers?

He's a crack driver. He's come to take Red's place.

Have you got your coffin ordered? Decided to end it all? He's after the money. >

He's saving for the blind.

Hey, Red! Red!

The water's getting cold.

There's no need to start anything, Red. I'll get him to move.

Red...

You sit over here, Johnny. Out it comes, nice and warm.

Gino...

Your cigar's gone out.

My place.

If you think you're good enough to sit in my place, you have to prove it.

Huh?

Yeah.

He's as brave as the rest of you.

Thought you were gonna say something, then.

-Who's the Girl Guide?

-He's the new driver.

-What truck's he got?

-Tom, what truck you got?

-Legubin's truck.

-Who asked YOU?

Nobody asked, but I tell you anyhow.

Ah, I get it.

Him and you's pals, eh? Watch he doesn't get in my way out on the run.

Who gets it?

-I done 18 runs. Who beats me?

-Don't look at me. 13's my lot.

Minimum 12. 15, me. You're still safe.

14. 12. Lucky to get that. Pressure pump's up the spout.

-15.

-A stinking 14!

Pop, you passed me about a dozen times. How many runs did you do?

Look at him. Blind, deaf and twice a granddad.

Hey, Pop! How many runs did you do?

17.

You won't keep that much longer.

It's gold, that case.

Let the new boy have a look at it. Marvellous. Feel the weight of it.

- Solid gold. - Do more runs than Red, it's yours.

The Pacesetter. Keeps us on the ball.

- Solid 22-carat gold. It's worth 250 quid. - 250 quid!

Think what you could do with that.

Hey, boys! Red's overslept. It's anybody's case today!

EXCITED SHOUTING

ENGINE SPLUTTERS

HORN BLARES

TOOTS HORN

Get back there!

Get back, get back!

-What's going on over there?

-Pop's trying to beat Red's time.

-Why's he giving way?

-If he don't, he'll be off the road for two days!

Hey, Red, hurry up! The sun's fading my paintwork!

TOOTS HORN

BLASTS HORN

-Hey, Tom! Where have you been? I look for you.

-I'm working on a sick truck. Got any sandwiches?

I'll see what there is.

Tom, two guys come looking for you. In a car. They go away.

-For me?

-Yeah, at Ma West's.

-Who were they? What did they look like?

-I don't see them.

Ma West yell upstairs, but you are not there.

I see them drive away in a big car from the window.

-Doing anything tonight?

-I'm taking Lucy to see the Italian picture at the Playhouse.

Why? Should I do something for you?

-No, it's OK.

-You tell me...

-No, it's OK.

-Do you know Chic Keighley?

-Hi.

-Hi.

Do you know if anybody got the case today?

-The case? Fat chance.

-That's all I want to know.

Tom, this is crazy. I see you try to beat Red today. Don't do it.

You listen to me. Don't try it.

So long as he uses the short cut, it's not possible.

The short cut?

Why don't we all use it?

Because we are not pazzo like Red.

You know the quarry. It is very dangerous to drive fast there.

To drive slow is no longer a short cut. It's a long cut, huh?

-Have you tried it?

-We all tried.

Leggy tried it. He was the last.

We don't go there no more.

I see. But Red only drives a truck, just like you and me.

-Here you are, Tom.

-Thanks.

-Ham and cheese. We've got chicken if you'd like it.

-This is fine.

-No coffee?

-No. Good night.

-Good night, Tom.

-Tom?

-Yeah?

-Don't try it. You listen to Gino.

Jill, have you fallen for that guy? I never saw you smile so sweet since we met.

Well, well! Where have you been? On a picnic?

Yeah. We had champagne(!)

Fancy! And I was going to invite you for supper.

-Thanks.

-Well, I've got to go back to work.

At this time of night? You act as if you're running away from a wife.

-I'm working on a truck. There isn't always a woman in it.

-It's usually that or money.

-Is it?

-Of course, I may be wrong and I'm willing to learn.

Tell me all about it. I love life stories.

Gino's waiting for you in there, remember?

-You think I'm flinging myself at you, don't you?

-You're giving a pretty fair imitation.

What else is wrong with me?

-You wanna know?

-Yeah.

-Hi, Muscles. Hi, Lucy.

-Hi, boys.

Hey, Lucy.

Tom, what are you doing here?

-We have to hurry or we'll miss the picture. You want to come with us?

-No, I haven't finished.

-Gino...

-Huh?

-I'm going to take that gold cigarette case from Red.

You can help me.

Tom, I told you. Don't do it. Red is pazzo. He don't let anyone take that case.

-It's only... How you say? A carrot for us donkeys.

-I'm a donkey.

-Tom...

-Gino!

-Wait a minute.

-How long have you been driving ballast?

-You know.

-Red's driven for 12 years. He knows all the tricks.

-So you don't want to help me?

-Tom...

All right, I'm with you.

What do you want me to do?

I'll tell you tomorrow morning. Thanks, Gino. Enjoy the picture.

It's like poison in the blood, this thing.

-They all get it. I will try to see he don't get hurt. He's a nice boy. You like him?

-He's all right.

He is my friend. You must be nice to him.

Carissima, you look so... you look so pretty tonight.

Come, I drive. Move over.

Gino, I don't feel like a film tonight, especially one of those foreign ones.

Oh, no? It's too bad. This is the last night for it.

I don't get much chance to...

hear my own people talking.

Johnny, come on, hurry up! Where are we going?

I don't know.

Let's just go somewhere and have a drink.

All right. Whatever you say.

Here, we go and...

We talk, huh?

You don't know yet, but I think I've got a surprise for you. About you and me.

Tonight I tell you.

Gino, if you really want to go and see the picture...

You change your mind again?

Let's go and see the picture.

Whatever you say, carissima.

Come on, Harry!

What's your hurry? Anybody would think you're fond of work!

He works hard, doesn't he(?)

-Go ahead, boy.

-Yeah.

TOOTS HORN

HORNS BLARE

Look at that! He'll never get away with it. Red, you like your own medicine?

Hey, Gino! Get out of my way!

That's how it's gonna be, huh?

Hey, Gino!

-Get on!

-What happened?

It don't matter. Get on!

Gino, are you all right?

Uh-huh.

What happened?

Gino, what's the matter with your leg?

Just a shake-up. It don't matter, I tell you. Get on!

Have you got a tow chain?

I've got one.

Yah!

Get going. You've got to beat him!

Thanks, Fred. How much is that?

17 shillings, Miss Lucy.

-Tom, could you lend me a couple of bob until tomorrow? I'm short.

-Oh, yes, sure.

Thanks a lot.

Thank you very much.

I see on the progress report that you didn't break any records today.

-Gino went off the road. I had to help him.

-Is he OK?

-I guess so.

-Does he need anything?

-No. He got shaken up. He wants to sleep it off.

-That means he won't be taking me to the dance tonight.

-Too bad. Very selfish of him!

I didn't mean it like that.

-What way DID you mean it?

-You've got a nasty habit.

-Which one?

-I could like you if...

-You're Gino's girl.

-Why not ask ME that?

-Gino's my pal. Don't put this on him. Not with me.

Don't talk to me like that. Gino's my friend, too.

The way you act, anyone would think you're the only girl in this town!

Is that right? You done 17 runs today?

-Yeah.

-That's pretty close, eh, Red?

What about it? Pop's done better than that driving solo!

If you and Spaghetti try more of them tactics on me, I'll show you a thing or two you've never heard of!

I teach them the hard way. Maybe afterwards you won't be in any condition to use them. Understand?

-I think so.

-Where is old Spaghetti, anyway?

-He's in bed.

Somebody sideswiped him today.

-That's what you two was doing in that ploughed field!

-If you saw us, why didn't you help?

Our job's ballast, not breakdowns!

The recovery people don't like it. If they heard what you did, you'd wake up wearing their footprints.

-Is somebody gonna write to them about it?

-Are you trying to be funny?

Do you know? I don't like your attitude.

You've got a chip on your shoulder.

-You think so?

-Yeah.

If I was to knock it off, your head might go with it.

Well, I'm the last man who'd want to walk around without a head.

That's better!

Get a hold of this, will you?

I've got two jobs here. I'm the Pacesetter and the road foreman.

I'll watch you from two directions. To beat you on the road and beat you down when you get out of line.

I'm not looking for trouble. Unless I'm pushed.

Even if you're pushed. Hey, Tub!

Over here, Red!

Are you going to the dance tonight, Tom?

Yeah, I was just going to ask you.

-We're going in Johnny's car after you've finished eating. Do you like my skirt?

-Yeah. Sensational.

< Jill!

SLOW WALTZ PLAYS

Excuse me.

Well, Red, are your boys going to behave yourselves tonight?

Why don't you ask them?

My dance. Oh, but I can't...

Shall we sit this one out? Yes, dear.

Busy? I'm waiting for someone. You're not busy.

Excuse me. Remember me last week? No. I'll remind you.

You're not married, are you?

No. Are you?

Silly! I like you. You're really dry.

MUSIC STOPS

Hey, Dusty! Over here!

-Dust, how did you make out?

-OK.

ALL TALK AND LAUGH

What am I? An orphan? Here you are. Sit down.

Hey, fellas, fellas!

Look!

It can't be. It's Lucy. Done up like a dog's dinner.

Hello, boys!

It's awfully hot in here! Mind if I join you?

-We've been keeping this place specially for you.

-No-one'll take you away from us!

-You make the rest of the birds here look like hyenas!

-Give her a seat.

Call yourself a gentleman? Your Ladyship! Thanks, Tink.

Now look what you've done! Thank you for picking me up(!)

-We thought you'd come with Gino. >

-Jill, do you want to dance?

You kids go ahead. Don't mind me. Lucy, dance with me!

Hey! Remember me?

Having fun?

Yeah, fine. And you?

-So-so. There's a guy I want to dance with and he won't ask me.

-Too bad.

What are you trying to prove? That you're somebody's best friend?

-Look...

-Get it into your thick skull that I'm not anybody's girl and I'm not married!

Gino's a sweet guy.

He's in a strange country. I was just trying to be nice to him. Do I have to suffer for that?

If you don't like it, that's your problem. I don't want to be the one that puts him out.

Come on, let's dance.

Come on.

Let's dance. I'm waiting for Tom.

On second thoughts, I think I will.

What's happened to my boyfriend? I sent him for a bottle of Coke half an hour ago.

Maybe he heard "bucket of Coke". You're very humorous!

Tom, don't tell me you don't feel the same way as I do.

What are you trying to do?

I'm human, too, you know.

It's not fair. If two people feel the same way about each other, what's wrong with admitting it?

Would you like to see two men shooting it out over you?

As long as you win.

Oh, Tom, I don't know what it is.

It's not going to work, Lucy.

It's got to work.

You're crazy. You don't know anything about me.

I know. But I'd just love finding out.

This is a nerve test. A test for steady nerves, steady hands.

You'll never drive a truck if you can't hold these.

You're not gonna burn me! Careful!

This is where it's important. Hold still now. Are you ready? Yeah.

# Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you... #

-Where have you been?

-I was told my old man wanted to see me in the pub opposite. I looked in all the pubs.

-Must have been some other Bill.

-You wanted to walk off with my girl!

That's right, insult me! A man in my position taking care of your girl.

I should charge you for my time. Piecework rates!

-Excuse me.

-Oh, sure.

Oh, no, you don't. Not this time.

-I said excuse me once.

-Do you mind?

-Bill!

-Drop dead!

-Let go. She's my girl and I was dancing with her.

It's only a joke. Don't get rough.

We let you truck drivers use our hall and all you do is muck up our evening. We're sick of you all!

-Red!

-Yeah?

-This bloke says him and his mates are sick of the lot of us.

Ask him what he's gonna do about it. Hey, Tub, Scotty, Johnny!

Now, then, Red. No trouble. No trouble, please.

Call the police immediately.

Red! Red!

Hit him with your right!

-Red! Red! The cops!

-You get stuck in! Come on!

Hey, come back, yellow belly! Come back, you!

-Tom! Tom!

-Hey, come back, yellow belly!

Hey, we're coming up! Better say your prayers!

Come out, yellow belly!

MA WEST: Stop that! Stop that this instant, do you hear?

Red, come away from that door!

It's between us and yellow belly.

I don't care. Get back to your rooms this minute!

All right, yellow belly, we'll get you tomorrow.

How many of those sweets can you get for a penny?

Three... Here, you'll like these.

Buttered brazils! Oh, boy!

You've got more than half. No, I haven't. I'll get you for this!

I bought a packet of fags.

On credit.

Tom!

Tom!

-Jimmy, are you all right?

-I'm all right. How are you?

Fine.

Well, you look marvellous. We heard you were out. Where have you been?

Don't you read my letters?

Letters? What letters?

How's Mum? I thought I'd try to get you while she was in church.

Tom, Mum wouldn't keep your letters from me.

Jimmy, the shop looks good.

How's business?

You know this neighbourhood. We've been paying our way.

Any of the boys come round, Jimmy?

Oh, yeah. For cigarettes, you know.

How are the legs?

Just the same, Tom... Excuse me, Tom.

Morning, Mrs Lipton. What'll it be?

Morning, Jimmy. A pound of sausages. Myrtle's bringing a man to dinner.

Anything else? No, thank you. Three shillings, Mrs Lipton.

Oh, dear, up again! Maybe Myrtle will be off our hands before long. Remember me to your mother.

Bye, Mrs Lipton. Thank you.

How was it...inside, Tom?

Bad, Jimmy.

I can't ever let that happen to me again.

I can't be tied down.

I know what you mean.

It killed me, Jimmy, knowing what I did to you.

It was an accident. I never blamed you.

It's more than just making it up to you, Jimmy.

I've got to make the grade for once. The right way.

-Do you know what I mean?

-Yeah, I know, Tom.

-I took a job.

-Doing what?

-Driving.

Driving again!

Not what you think. Jimmy, it's tough when you come out.

Only lousy jobs for no money. Nobody wants you.

-I took this one.

-If you're behind the wheel, you can go anywhere.

I'm driving ballast, Jimmy.

It's tough, but...

Well, it's good money.

There's even a solid gold bonus waiting for me at the end of it.

Jimmy...

Look, I want you to have this.

-It's not much.

-No, I can't take it. No, please...

Hello, Mum.

What's that?

-Ma, take it easy. Tom's just trying to help us.

-Take it back.

Why should I? It's Jimmy's money. I gave it to him.

I make the money that comes into this house and I make it honest.

-Maybe it's not much, but what there is is clean.

-This is clean, too.

-Mum, we've got to talk.

-Nothing you ever touched was clean.

-Tom's trying to help us. He's got an honest job.

-I don't believe it.

-Let him finish!

-Mum, you've got to forget the past.

-It's not past.

It's here. I live with it. For you, it was just a year in jail.

For Jim and me, it's a life sentence. Him stuck in this shop all day, never going out!

-I know all that!

-Tom! Tom...

Look, Mum, I'm only trying to put things right.

-How can I make you see?

-I'm not listening.

Tom!

Mum...

Please give him a chance.

You and him.

Always the same.

He led, you followed.

I wish you were still inside.

Oh, Mum, no!

All right, Mum.

You don't have to draw a picture.

Don't worry, kid.

Maybe it'll work out.

Tom!

-Tom!

-What are you waiting for, yellow belly?

All right, boys. On the road.

BLOWS RASPBERRY

18 today. Who gets it?

Not me. Not me.

Here, Dust, pass it over.

Fill this out, Tink. Right oh, Luce.

G Redman - 18.

Fill this out, Red, please.

J Yateley - 18.

< He went over the quarry today. I saw him.

Another brave one, eh? > Hello, Gino.

< G Rossi - 14.

See you tonight.

Miracolo! Magnifico! How did you do this thing, Tom? It is a miracle.

It's a miracle somebody didn't get killed.

Today you proved you're a great driver. I know you can beat Red, but everybody is against you.

-If you had a clear road...

-Yeah, if I had a clear road!

Tom, the money.

Tomorrow. I see you get it.

How?

We will change plates.

You take my number plate - number 3.

I put your number 13 on my truck.

For me the boys make the trouble. For you there is a clear road.

You like Gino's idea? You be number 3.

-Yeah, but Gino...

-No buts.

After, finish here. You go north, look for a good job. I go south.

You take the gold case, I take Lucy. Va bene?

Bene.

Something stinks around here.

-Maybe you should change your socks.

-Quick as a whip!

-As a wop, you mean!

-Watch your tongue.

-We're getting tough!

Yeah, tough as macaroni! >

Gino, something's wrong here.

Huh?

£24 deduction?

What advance did you take?

Four.

Five tax... No, this is wrong. We'll see about it.

Buzz off! He's got all he's gonna get.

-No, there's been a mistake.

-There's no mistake.

What do you know about it?

-I'm talking to you.

-I'm not talking to the yellow belly.

-If he wants to find out why his pay was stopped, ask Ed.

-Ed?

-It was his stuff he wrecked.

-Who put this on Tom?

You mean on yellow belly? Me.

I'm the road foreman.

Yeah.

And that's not all you are.

What else am I?

You're scum.

SHOUTS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

Come on, then, Red!

You're gonna murder him.

Go on, take him.

Go on, man, take him!

Come on, Red, take him!

ALL SHOUT

Hit him!

Come on, Red!

Get into him!

Come on, Red, sort him out! Come on, Red!

Go on, Red! Go on! Give him it, Red!

Stop! The assistant manager!

What the devil's going on here?

It's nothing, sir. A test of strength. A bet. Nothing.

Nothing? Fighting like animals? Gibson, why didn't you stop them?

Well, you see...

You'll pay for this damage. Both of you.

You've got your pay, get out. All of you. Once more and it'll be for good!

As for you, you're a foreman. You're supposed to keep discipline.

I may be a foreman, but I'm not a prison warden.

You think I don't know you've just done a spell? How can I keep discipline if we hire convicts?

I'll let you know!

What are you gonna do about it?

Nothing to do with us. He already paid for what he done. He told me.

I'll have to check with Mr Cartley in the morning.

Come on, Red.

He can look after himself. Come on, I'm hungry.

You better come and lie down, huh?

-I've got to work.

-This looks bad. You better come and get cleaned up.

Are you all right, Red?

He kneed me. You saw what happened.

Otherwise I'd have killed him.

Hi.

Oh, well...

Good night.

Mailbags!

FOOTSTEPS >

Hello.

What do you want?

I hear you're eating in the village by yourself these days. How's that?

I like it that way.

I heard what they're saying. Is it true?

Yeah.

It's true.

I wasn't framed, nobody talked me into anything and the judge didn't give me a raw deal. Happy?

You still have an invitation to eat at my place.

Where's Gino?

We're through.

What have you done to him?

I told him the truth, that I liked him, but I'm not in love with him.

-You have no right to do that!

-Whose right is it?

CAR APPROACHING >

FRONT DOOR OPENS

Gino?

KNOCK ON DOOR

Gino, are you awake?

Gino!

Gino, I want to talk to you.

London, one-way.

-The early's gone, mate. 9:35 is the next.

-All right, let's have it.

Don't you characters ever say "please"? Here.

PHONE RINGS

Excuse me.

-Hello?

-'Hello, Jimmy.'

-Tom!

If Topper or Mac or any of the boys come round, tell them to contact Sammy.

-Sammy? Are you sure?

-'I know what I'm doing.'

I'll be at Harry's place at three o'clock.

OK, Tom. Whatever you say.

OK, Jimmy boy.

Tom, thank God! I've been searching everywhere. Ma West said...

-I'm leaving.

-It's Gino.

-Leave me alone.

-Gino's truck caught fire and he's very badly burned.

Come to the hospital right away!

What are they doing in there?

Why don't they ever tell you something?

Tom, maybe...

Maybe I ought to go.

Maybe seeing me will just upset him.

-No, Lucy. You've got to go in and tell him what I told you to tell him.

-Yes, all right.

I'll do whatever you want me to do.

But you've got to stop blaming us.

At least yourself.

-What happened...

-I know what happened.

-You don't know everything.

Tom, this set-up is a racket.

Cartley and Red don't care how many of you are killed as long as they split their extra 200 every week.

That's why they hire drifters like you and Gino who let themselves be hustled for money!

-How do they make that much money? We get good pay.

-Not all of it.

Tom, listen.

The head office pays basic salary for five more drivers than Cartley runs.

Red paces a short-handed crew to meet the contract. The cash for five drivers never reaches our pay window.

Did you tell Gino about this?

Are you sure about...?

These are friends of his, Doctor.

You can see him.

How... How is he, Doc?

If you've got anything to say to him, you'd better say it now.

It's Lucy, sweet...

Lucy and Tom.

Hi, amico.

I was leaving when I heard what happened.

I was on the railway station. Wasn't I, Lucy?

Yes.

Gino, it was you she wanted.

All the time. She's your girl, Gino.

You tell him, Lucy.

No... No.

You are right for each other.

Be happy...

together.

Tom...

Tom, you take care of my Lucy, huh?

And one day...

you take her to Italy.

Va bene?

-No, Gino...

-Tom...

I drew them off like we planned.

For you to win.

Crazy!

You don't even come.

You...

You changed the number plates?

And they thought you were me.

I was number 13.

Who was it, Gino? Was it Red?

Gino!

Just wait outside a moment, will you, please?

They...

RECITES PRAYER

Oh, my God!

Eddie, take the recovery truck and get out there right away!

Write-off or not, she'll be good for some spares.

Cooper!

Isn't this Red's truck? What's he doing in?

Oil refuel. He's losing it somewhere. I'll fix it tonight. He'll be out in a minute.

Lucy!

What are you doing in here? Get off my desk!

Gino's dead.

Oh...that's bad luck.

You...

Did you have to kill him, Cartley?

I'll pretend I didn't hear that. You better get out before you say something you might regret.

About the money you're grabbing by running us short-handed?

-Yeah, I know all about it.

-Oh.

You do now? I see. If you know so much, why don't you go and report it somewhere?

-You'd only get nicked. That's too good for you!

-Think I don't know you're driving without a licence?

How long do you think you'll stay out with your record?

Then we'll do time together and I'm used to it. I'm giving you a week to pay, Cartley.

-Where are you going?

-You want loads, you'll get them! But we're getting all the money that's coming to us.

-Every penny of it.

-Listen, Yateley!

Listen, wait a minute, damn you!

You're a clever boy and a grand driver. I've seen it all along.

I can get you a corner on this. Double your wages. A lot better than a bonus. Listen!

Listen, Tom...

I can make things much easier for you here.

OK. And I'll take over number one.

-It's better than that junk you gave me.

-All right, all right.

-It can be arranged, but let's talk about it first.

-No, Cartley. I don't want you and Red for partners.

-You're not my type.

-You're being unreasonable.

-Tell Red I'm after him.

Tell him I don't have any proof that he smashed Gino, but one day he'll show his hand.

And I'll smash him!

Hey!

Hey! What's that rat doing in my truck? Why didn't you stop him?

Stop him? Huh!

He knows. That slut must have told him.

He's taken your job and truck. Says he'll get you for killing Rossi.

-Rossi's dead?

-Rossi's dead.

And we're in big trouble.

You'd better get after him quick. Now!

There's number three.

-What about you?

-I'll back you up.

-You're coming with me. I want a witness if anything goes wrong.

-Don't be a fool.

-I said you're coming. That means you're coming!

Red, Red... All right!

-What are you going this way for?

-I know what I'm doing.

-He's gone to the ballast pit.

-Where does he go after that?

What are you doing with number one?

I AM number one!

We're here.

He's taking it slow.

Tom came in with your jeep. Is he in the office?

No, he went back out on the run. I think he's in for it. He took number one truck.

Red and Mr Cartley went after him. Oh, no!

Open the gate, Harry.

-Red...

-Ssh!

-TRUCK APPROACHING

Red! Maybe we ought to...

Uh-huh?

This is cold blood. It's murder. I don't want any part of this!

-Let me get out of here!

-Sit tight!

Sit tight.

-You've got him!

-No, we haven't.

-What's wrong?

-The brakes!

Tom...

Tom!

Subtitles by Calum Short, Subtext, for BBC Subtitling 1998